Veteran Financial Education Funding Applications Open

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BOSTON — In collaboration with the Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), the State Treasurer's Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) announced a new round of funding for Operation Money Wise. This grant program offers funding to veteran-serving non-profit organizations, public agencies, and higher education institutions to host financial programming that serves the Military, Veteran, Family, and Survivor Community (MVFSC). 
 
Veteran-serving organizations can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which must be used before March 31, 2025. Applications close on May 31st, 2024 at 5 p.m.?Follow this link to learn more and apply.  
 
To date, Operation Money Wise has served over 6,648 members of the military community. A total of $262,977 has been awarded to 55 grantees in six grant rounds. The funding allows organizations to use their knowledge and expertise to design or enhance a program that would best serve their community. Many of these workshops will include strategy sessions on basic budgeting, managing debt, preparing for retirement, and making decisions with money. 
 
"We are proud to help those who serve our country achieve financial stability for themselves and their families," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "Operation Money Wise will continue to support organizations that uplift and financially empower our veteran community across Massachusetts." 
 
Previous programs include one-day seminars or multiple sessions hosted by local colleges and financial institutions. Topics featured in past programs include career-training, information tailored to Gold Star Families, the National Guard Reintegration Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
 
Funding is possible through a Division of Banks settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Ex-Miss Hall's Teacher Indicted on Rape Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former Miss Hall's School teacher accused of sexually assaulting students at the girls' school has been indicted by a Berkshire grand jury.
 
Matthew Rutledge, 63, was indicted on Tuesday on three counts of rape following testimony provided by Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon, former students.
 
Pittsfield Police opened an investigation into Rutledge in 2024. Rutledge was alleged to have sexually assaulted students while serving as a teacher at Miss Hall's School dating back to the 1990s. In October 2024, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office announced that there were no charges able to be brought forward at that time; however, the office kept the investigation open. 
 
In late fall 2024, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue took over the investigation, then tasked a team of special prosecutors and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, including resources from the Unresolved Cases Unit, to continue investigating the allegations.
 
In 2025, a summary of a report authored by Aleta Law Firm was released to the public. The report, which was commissioned by the Miss Hall's Board of Trustees, consisted of numerous interviews examining the school's culture. The report detailed a pervasive and chronic pattern of inappropriate staff conduct.
 
Using information gathered by both the DA's Office and the Aleta report, the team of special prosecutors say they found Rutledge to have violated state law. 
 
"It took a long time to get to Tuesday's indictment. I commend the prosecutors and detectives who worked tirelessly to bring this case forward," said Shugrue in a statement. "Most of all, I would like to recognize and commend Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon for their bravery and continued cooperation throughout this long, arduous process. 
 
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